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{ LIB PtARY OF CONGRESS. # 

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{ UNITED STATES OP AMERICA. J 



POETICAL SKETCHES 



OF THE 



MESSIAH. 





* 




-^^o^ 


^ 




BY 


REV. 


SAMtJEL F. 

OK KINGWOOD, If. 

/■' . 

\ ' ■ 


PORTER, 


2. 


PUBLISHED 


BY M 


. W. DODD, BRICK CHURCH CHAFEL. 



1849. 









Entered according to Act of Congress, tHe 16tli day of June, 1849, 

BY JOHN A. GRAY, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Southern District 

of New- York. 



STEREOTYPED BY J. A. GRAY, 
15 Spruce Street, N. Y. 



SKETCH I. 



Hai Pulai Hadou ; 

OR, 

THE GATES OF HELL 



THE INVOCATION. 

Hail ! mighty Jesus, sovereign Lord ! all hail I 
In human nature man's chief Friend ; now more : 
Of kings the King , Lord of all lords I how high 
Is thy imperial seat ! Humanity, 
By thee thus high advanced, to live and reign 
Give me, ! give the seraph's hallowed fire, 
TFliich touched the ancient Hebrew prophet's lips, 



THE GATES OF HELL. 

That I may sing (if not presumptuous) that 
Which else were unattained by human art, — 
The mystery of God's deep, boundless love. 
Revealed in Christ his Son. • In this last age 
Uublest, still must the sacred lyre, unstrung. 
On monumental cypress hang ? Who dare 
With hand unhallowed touch those holy strings ? 
Or who can catch from echo's latest strain 
The fading melody — ^recall the seers, 
The spirits of departed bards, long, time 
Beatified, to inspire the solemn song ? 

Thou Sacred Spirit i heavenly Dove I inspired 
By Thee, and taught what most befltt mankind. 
Here would I raise the arch triumphal, here 
A fit memorial grave on human hearts. 
Of the blood-ransom paid and victory 
Gained by the Son of God, alone, in tears 
And sighs, in sweat and pangs unfelt before. 



HELL'S PORTAL. 

Now at hell gate embattled squadrons throng. 
For consultation high, and wise debate. 
Of the state's welfare. Far around, and near 
The gates " thrice threefold," stood the ancient porch^ 
Fit place for demon congress, which of old 
By giant hands and skill immense was reared 
Sublime, of polished marble, gold, and pearl. 
In rich profusion joined. Perfect in form. 
Many score furlongs broad, half circular, 



HELL'S PORTAL. 

The flaming portal stood ; the cavern's mouth 
Behind ; the bridge, well travelled, spanned across 
The mighty deep — the way to earth — before. 
The floor, which seemed a boundless plain, was paved 
With divers colored, rich mosaic work. 

Six rows of pillars, ranged in vista long 
From centre to circumference, upheld 
The vaulted roof, the nave, and dome immense, 
That like the firmament of heaven appeared, 
So high, so vast it was, so far beyond 
The skill of human artisan. Apart 
On either hand, against the prison walls, 
Chambers of%tate and ante-chambers rose, 
Gorgeously furnished. All that art could yield, 
In aid to hellish purpose, was arranged. 
And modelled forth for instant use in need- 
Here instruments of torture lay forged out ; 
And there, unnumbered forms of idol gods, 
Brutal or savage ; — here dainty draughts 
For fashion's temple foul, exciting last ; 
And there, again, the classic lore of hell. 
In order set rank over rank aloft, — 
On magic arts and alchemy ; 
On necromantic charms and oracles ; 
Witchcraft and fortune-telling; formulae 
Of dreams and signs foreboding good or ill; 
And theories diverse of government 
Tyrannical, where many serve that one 
May rule. Full many a volume huge stood there, 
Concocted fruit of long and painful toil. 
And deep research, of god-like minds debased. 



THE GATES OF HELL. 

Far-seQ^ng cunning, -wit, and skill were taxed 
To weave the web of sophistry, turn light 
To darkness, and make good seem ill, and ill 
The best appear. These, conned the weaker fiends, 
To learn how more to work out human woe. 
Thus high angelic natures were debased to lie. 
To drivel in deception, crawl in filth, 
Through all the mazes of their serpent way. 

But most they joyed in polished romances, — 
Vice sugared o'er for taste fastidious. 
Thus plot complete, denouement, character, 
Drawn to the life, in endless tome«, were set 
In their compartments : — ^base infusJbns, shot 
Like inspiration thro' famed authors' brains, 
While they as prophets teach the multitude. 
Under the dome, each side and next the mouth 
Of the infernal den, bureaux of state 
Were kept, and rolls statistical : the names 
Of all, of every family and kin, 
Of every tribe and nation on the earth ; 
Description personal, — the state of each, — 
How best assayed. Dependent from the nave, 
A globe terrestrial hung, revolving slow 
Its nice adjusted pole : on every side 
Of its broad golden surface, justly wrought, 
Was seen earth's perfect face minute ; 
Ocean and island, continent and lake, 
Deep graven vale and river bed, were tliere ; 
Nor lacked it mimic cities' towering spires, 
Nor yet the humble cottage far retired 
In the sequestered glen. 



THE CONSULTATION. 

This central seat 
Of Satan's power was perfect in its kind, 
Whether to grace a pageant or give aid 
To grave deliberation. 



THE CONSULTATION". 

Now here, while Jesus slept beneath the roof 
Maternal, by the signal roused, the hosts 
Of darkness thronged : ethnarks and princes, thrones, 
Dominions, lords renowned of old, in state 
Came forth. And on swift wing hither they came 
The way from earth ; while ancient Tartarus, 
And every shore around the burning lake. 
And every cavern of the dark abyss, 
Sent up its teeming millions in hot haste. 
All breathless to the council. Upward came 
The shades of heroes, earth's departed sons : 
Kings, potentates, and emperors, with crown 
And sceptre ; ministers of state, and court 
Duly appointed ; captains and generals, 
And wide-spread wings of armies numberless, 
Slain of the sword, and pierced in mortal strife, 
Companions once in arms, each in his rank 
Up from his low bed started at the blast 
Of trumpet, and the summons quick obeyed. 
The giant race antediluvian 
AYas there : Nimrod and Ashur, with long line 
Of royal sons, and far-famed Egypt's kings ; 
And boastful Xerxes, with his craven host 
By patriot Grecia slain ; and that mad youth, 



THE GATES OF HELL. 

The prophet's he-goat horn by choler moved 
Against the East ; Philistia's ancient lords, 
Of old inimical to Israel's God. 
Inspired with malice and undying hate, 
These eager came, on mischief bent, to aid 
Against the Lord and his anointed Son, 
"Whatever purpose might best circumvent 
And bring to naught the grace of God to man. 

The hum of salutation, some brief space, 
Ran round the dark assemblage : each with ease 
His proper, well-appointed station found, 
Nor false, untutored movement, in those ranks 
Elite, hy skilful, practised eye might be 
Discerned. Order, at length, and silence reigned ; 
And expectation and attention fixed 
Held in suspense the gazing crowd. Nor long 
Ere Satan, ruling spirit, whose changed locks 
Proclaimed his hoary youth and inwTought pain, 
With awful majesty and lofty brow. 
And wisdom burning in his serpent eye, 
Advanced, with stately step and conscious mien. 
Far up the foreground of the crowded stage. 
High raised and broad, to suit his need who spake 
And those who heard. 



SATAN'S OPENING SPEECH. 

" Noble compatriots," 
Satan deep-toned began, " most happy he 
Who hath such noble counsellors, — such bold, 



SATAN'S OPENING SPEECH. 

Tried champions, — such countless multitudes 

With him conjoined against tyrannic rule. 

With helpers such as these, veterans so true 

And brave, how can the cause of freedom fail ? 

To these allies let honor due be given, 

Who, from their fields of earthly glory, come 

To swell our ranks with increase every hour, — 

Increase of wisest plans of human skill, 

To crush the swelling bud of loyalty 

Before it bloom. And yet must we confess, 

Amid the joy of greeting such as this. 

One thought weighs down our heart: One human soul 

Hath never sinned; the foresight, power, and wit, 

Which hath prevailed o'er all the race, is foiled, 

Though nature pressed, and every circumstance 

Conspired in our behalf. And why is this ? 

Answer, ye magi and astrologers 

Of old, well read and deep in mysteries, 

Is this man more than mortal ? Is he man, 

Or God ? AVhat mission hath he then to earth ? 

Who is this promised ' seed,^ sent forth to bruise 

Our head, and man's deliverer ? 

Good friends, we ask your weighty counsel here, 

How best to counterwork this new device 

Of Him who rules with iron sceptre o'er 

Tlie universe. If right I read, the fire 

Of freeborn valor burns in every eye. 

Yoa join me, when, by the infernal pit, 

I swear to crush him : be he who he may. 

Not one of all oar strongholds will we yield 

At his command ; not one of these tried friends 

Shall e'er be led his captive. By the powers 



10 THE GATES OF HELL. 

Here met, not long in peace shall Salem see 

Our hated mortal foe ; no re&t we take 

Until, by force or guile, we lay him low. 

Meanwhile, write on our banners — Orush the wretch I" 

He ceased ; and scarce had echo answered back 
The brazen tones of his hoarse, angry voice, 
When such a yell arose from every fiend, 
As if all earth's artillery conjoined 
In concert thundered. Each cried, "Crush the wretch !' 
The pit beneath flashed up in redder wrath, — 
Long, circling flames rolled curling round the gates, 
And cast a horrid glare o'er the pale host. 

Thereafter, some short space, famed Hermes rose, 
Demon polite and learned, with polished air. 
And countenance well wreathed in rueful smiles, 
And thus began : — 



HERMES' SPEECH, 

" Much I misdoubt the end 
This contest brings. If rumor's tongue he not, 
He who hath come shall work us woe, far more 
Than all who came before. My judgment is, 
Let careful search be had in past decrees 
Of fate, which shadow forth all future things. 
And first bring here, if it seem good, the book 
(Accursed and hateful !) called the "Word of God. 
There we may read his character and aim ; 
And meet thus force with force, and wile with wile." 



HERMES' SPEECH. 11 

He spake ; and soon from its safe keeping place, 

An iron vault thrice doubly locked, was brought 

The roll, — true transcript of the Holy "Word, 

By devils' hands wrote out, and torch-light watch, 

For reference, and kept the more secure 

Lest it might poison hell. At once unrolled. 

He read therefrom much of Messiah's name. 

And gave interpretation as he could, 

With many a witty stroke of rhetoric, 

Pouring contempt upon the sacred book. 

" The final sum is this," at length he cried : 

" Our monster enemy one half is man. 

The other God appears ; thus ' God with us ;' 

And hence ' the Son of God ' and ' Son of man.* 

That he is mortal doth appear herein : 

He with the rich and wicked hath his death. 

Now from this precious volume may we learn 

How holy, just, and true is heaven's King, 

When vile idolators, liars, and thieves, 

With every loathsome, treacherous son of sin, 

May gain the skies, if abject he submit. 

Craven, to sue and serve. Much would I joy 

To see the spotted brood defile the heavens. 

To reconcile such lying mysteries 

Concerns not us ; yet ofttimes has my heart 

With wonder swelled, to know the way whereby 

This godly crew with all their crimes escape. 

The power is His, and this is right no doubt. 

Because He does it." Laughter hoarse and loud 

Burst from the hstening audience, until 

Strange terror seized them, trembling shook theur loins : 

Dense clouds of lurid smoke rolled thro' the gates; 



12 THE GATES OF HELL. 

Quick gleams of vivid lightning played around, 
And threw a changeful hue o'er the pale host. 

Then Alexander. Macedonian king, 
While scorn sat on his brow, and fiery war 
Burned in his blood-shot eye, with haughty strides 
Advanced, and thus abrupt began : — 



ALEXANDER'S SPEECH 

" Great lords ! 
Rulers of night I whence are these fears ? and why 
This vain research — these vacillating doubts ? 
Is this your courage, that one man ye dread ? 
Where are the armies which this one commands ? 
My judgment is, we cut the Gordian knot 
At once ; a thousand flaming legions send 
To storm Jerusalem and Judah's hills ; 
Arouse the ruling powers of earth to kill 
His mortal part, that thus his reign may end. 
I well remember, while in time I toiled. 
Some few brief years sufficed to quell the world. 
The Grecian phalanx, led by me to fame, 
Annihilated Persia ; Egypt's king 
Succumbed, and Babylon the great, and Tyre, 
And India's burning clime, received their law 
From me. Shall feeble Israel, though led 
By heaven-born kings, affright our veteran ranks ? 
Besides, by guile we may perhaps excite 
Wide-spread revolt and insurrection there. 
For in the times I spake of priest and scribe 
Were peaceable, and easy led to side 



ALEXANDER'S SPEECH. 13 

"Where power lay. Yea, full well they prophesied,— 
Foretold my greatness and success in arms, 
And universal rule ascribed to me. 
Howe'er this be, my voice I give for war, — 
War now, and pressed with vigor to its close." 

He ceased, and every mail-clad warrior cried, 
" To arms !" The trumpets brayed, the martial bands 
^yith joy their rattling diapasons trilled, 
And all the legions spread their banners wide. 

Silence, and thoughtfulness, and deep dislike, 
Fast held the wiser half, who looked askance 
Amid the warlike uproar, relishing 
But little such wild heats and hasty zeal, 
And trembling lest blind fury should upset 
Discretion's fairer plans, and bring defeat. 
Now, in this time of need, one fitted well 
To fill the breach pressed forward to be heard. 
Among the magi and wise counsellors, 
Than Balaam, Beor's son, none wiser sat. 
Subtle in sophistry, and wise to blind 
The judgment with fair words, he seemed the while 
To yield to conscience, and had passion slept 
Eternally, and fierce desire of gain. 
Its voice had been obeyed. Knowing the right, 
He followed still tha wrong, irresolute, 
Till wrong seemed right, and envy and ill-will. 
Grown wise, gave matter to his slipp'ry tongue. 



14 THE GATES OF HELL. 



BALAAM'S SPEECH. 

" It seems," thus this new advocate of hell 
Began — " It seems one spirit animates 
The millions here ; one aim — one end we seek : 
Trne liberty, — birthright of all that be ; 
Freely to thinly — freely to do the same, 
Without constraint of iron law severe. 
But tyranny invades us, and the mode 
Best suited to secure our ardent wish 
Divides us. What we can, in every way 
We must attempt with prudence. Other means 
Than brutal force must conquer, or we lose 
Our proper aim. Such mettle virtue hath, 
Constraint works not her ill. The will alone, 
Choice voluntary, opes the seven-barred gates, 
That liberty may enter, with her train. 
How many, wilful in obedience. 
And obstinate in servile duty, have 
By hasty zeal been raised in fiery cars, 
With flaming chargers, to the upper skies, — 
Their deeds and doctrines deified in death I 
Far better, had they lived caressed, by ease 
Inglorious pampered, and in peace had died. 
Besides, the Mighty Thunderer permits 
No farther than he please. If once in arms 
Incensed we meet him, all our hopes are dashed; 
Confusion and dismay must scatter us, 
Defeat and ruin vex, whate'er our strength. 
I hate these rude alarms of war, which seem 



BALAAM'S SPEECH. 15 

Offshoots of tyranny." E'en at this word, 
A murmur ran along the armed ranks, 
With hostile hisses mixed. As when afar 
The echo deep of culverin roUs on 
Among the hills, and up the dark ravines. 
So died the sound away ; but left the marks 
Of deep displeasure written on their brows. 
" Have patience, friends," the cunning Balaam cried. 
" Arms have their proper time, no doubt, and place 
Most honorable ; now, we need them not. 
Look at the roll? statistical, and see 
The state and character of Judah's sons : 
The high, the low, the rich, the poor are ours ; 
Some led by pride, and by ambition some, — 
Some held by love of gold; all candidates 
For honors in our gift, true votaries 
Of largest freedom. Few indeed as yet 
Do know their promised star of ancient hope ; 
That few are quite obscure — ^mere fishermen. 
So would we have it. But the central point 
Of all our fears, our Chief hath plainly named : 
' One human soul hath never sinned.' To this 
Add what our learned friend so well rehearsed 
From out the ancient record : Deity 
Joined to humanity in one ; and then 
This also : ' He hath borne our load of guilt, 
' Our sorrows carried, by his stripes we're healed.' 
This new-found foe, whose bold, unyielding front 
Quite vanquished our great Captain in fair fight, 
Himself obeys for all ; himself endures 
The terrors of the broken law, and pays 
Full ransom for his chosen. The elect 



16 THE GATES OF HELL. 

Of every age, by him admittance gain 

To heavenly joys. Oh, might but sin defile 

His prudish purity, soon, toppling down 

From heaven's bright battlements and golden towers, 

The painted, whining hypocrites would fall, 

And gaping hell receive its honest due. 

Sweet friends, be this our aim — to circumvent 

And bring to naught this shrewd device of heaven, 

To cover shame for special favorites. 

For Balaam, son of Beor, saith, the man 

Whose eyes are open saith : Break but this charm, 

Kend but this holy cover-all, you tear 

The precious spoil from out the feeble grasp 

Of heaven's last champion. Henceforth, with ease 

We conquer ; earth is changed to hell, and all 

The race of Adam is our lawful prey. 

Bright victory shall then with peaceful plumes 

O'ershadow us eternally, and we 

Our empire more secure shall hold, and rest, 

Well earned, shall quite requite our painful toil. 

And Balaam, Son of Beor, saith, the man 

Whose eyes are open saith : Let but this web 

Of righteousness be wove, or cut the woof 

With eager sword, disaster and defeat 

Will follow; our dejected, broken troops, 

Bereft of hope, must yield up, every field 

Of former glory, while the tiaming sword 

Of swift, sure vengeance smites our flying rear." 



And well-timed revelations checked the fire 
Of warlike rage, and thirst for human gore, 



SATAil^S CLOSING SPEECH. 1 

Which burnt in half their breasts. Division now, 

Wide-spread, began to work, and party strile 

Orew loud, presage of coming rmn near. 

And even Satan double impulse felt, 

One while, the stain of honor tarnished deep 

To lave in Jesus' blood ; and then, to gain 

The guttering prize of victory — a world — 

The more his mind to cautious plans impelled. 

stormy debates ensued • and vehement 

Eecrimination and abuse were mixed 

With logic, such as pleased their fiendish hearts. 

For measures swift and bloody Moloch stood j 

With him Abaddon, Baal, Belzeboul 

And Nimrod, Antioch, and all the great 

In shedding human blood, who carnage loved, 

Were joined. For craft and cunning policy, 

A bloodless war. Mammon and Bacchus stood; 

With them Belial, Janus, and Uane, 

Ophin and subtle Kliunenos agreed. 

Satan, observant, silent sat, to mark 

The equal contest, till at length the scale 

Descended, and the part of cunning gained. 

Then came the earnest, anxious vote, well scanned ', 

And, all completed, Satan, President, 

The final charge began- 



SATAN'S CLOSING- SPEECH. 

" Noble compeers, 
And well-tried friends I our counsels, for the first, 
I find divided ; yet have ye decreed. 



THE GATES OF HELL. 

By small majority, for gentle means. 

Both schemes in part, no doubt, may be required 

Ere we have ended; both alike are wise : 

But prudence must forever lead the way ; 

Vigor and violence will follow then, 

A last resort. And now we give command, 

(Such needful trust is lent us,) in the name 

Of our great empire, each his part assigned 

Will faithfully perform. And first, those bands 

To whom it appertains will spread abroad, 

Stir up the vulgar, unlearned populace 

Of Israel, from Jordan to the sea ; 

Excite their fancies with false dreams of hope 

That Mary's son shall reign, their King ; and light 

The flame of wild fanaticism, and spread 

Dark rumor's wondrous tales of prodigies 

Afar and near, to dissipate the truth. 

Let other worthies take the private ear 

Of priest and doctor, much our truest friends, 

And blow up envy, hatred, and ill-will 

In every bloated heart and stupid head. 

Thus they will plead our cause, and blunt the edge 

Of every truth and miracle he brings. 

Embroil him in a thousand nice disputes, 

Perhaps entangle him within their net. 

And take him in its meshes. We appoint 

Other wise chiefs to wait about the court ; 

To guard, in Herod's palace, and the halls 

Of Roman Pilate, our best interests ; 

To breathe a jealousy in them, and fear 

Of adverse change wrought by the Nazarene. 

We would that many legions, as the drops 



19 SATAN'S CLOSING SPEECH. 

Of rising morning, might distil like mist 
Narcotic influence, and cause deep sleep ; 
Draw films o'er every eyeball ; turn to stone 
All hearts, that night and hell may ever reign. 
. And let our stronger spirits mark the link 
That joins man's soul to matter, and there seizo 
The mastery ; speak thro' his organs, move 
His muscles, and impel to devilish deeds : 
Especially, hear witness to his name 
When ye shall meet him ; thus ye bring reproach 
And foul suspicion on his fame and works. 
Be mine, with tireless, eagle eye, to watch 
O'er our arch-enemy, his every step 
And gesture, word and act, in all his walks ; 
And seize him at the auspicious moment when 
His portals are unguarded ; then, to trip 
And thrust him down in endless shame. 
All things are ready ! Ho ! ye hosts ! march forch !" 

As when the lion roareth on the prey, 
So the arch minister of sin and death 
His orders prompt and signal gave; then seized 
His mighty spear and shield, and led the van. 
The host, as stars and sea-sands numberless, 
Swayed by one impulse, onward swept, and filled 
The broad and beaten bridge — the way to earth ; 
And rank on rank, column on column pressed, 
In bright array, army to army joined, 
With banners waving high ; and horrid yells, 
Mixed with loud martial strains, echoed afar. 



SKETCH II. 



S^coh^B Hatrtrer. 



HEAVEN. 

Hail ! thou blest home of spirits, hail ! 

Whose joys ethereal never fail. 

Thy brilliant gates and starry towers, 

Eternal hills, and beauteous flowers, 

Thy sunlit palaces and halls. 

Thy marble battlements and walls, 

Thy cloudless day's deep azure sky. 

Were never seen by mortal eye. 

But thrilling gleams are sometimes given. 

Which flash far down the road from heaven, 

And light the storm-girt pilgrim's way, 

Through desert wilds to endless day. 



22 JACOB'S LADDER. 

Henceforth with eager eye he waits 
To see, through vista long, thy gates ; 
And never, till life's closing hour, 
Shall the fair vision lose its power. 
! holy land of promised rest, 
Thou perfect home of spirits blest ! 
From thee a voice, an echo still, 
Is ofttimes heard by men, — a thrill 
Of silent music, soft and low. 
Such as from spirit songsters flow; 
Deep in the soul it whispers peace. 
And bids the earthly tumults cease. 
To thee they turn the anxious ear, 
Again thy melting strains to hear ; 
And wishing, watching, waiting long, 
To meet the full-toned choral song. 
They drop the flesh, and with a sigh 
Pass thro' the veil and gain the sky. 



THE ALARM. 

While hell's dark host pass o'er the deep 
To earth, the angel guardians keep 
Their ancient watch, but gather soon. 
By signal from the sharp-horned moon, 
Where Raphael, the social friend 
Of man, his sleepless eye doth bend 
Far down the bridge. He saw the rout, 
And heard the helUsh song and shout ; 
Put to his lips the silver horn. 
And blew a blast, which, heavenward borne, 



THE GATE OF IIEAYEX. 23 

Conveyed the tidings to the ear 

Of angels, that the foe was near. 

Then upward passed on wings of thought, 

To heaven's wide gate, the news he brought, 

Where, to the millions gathering round 

He tells the horrid sight and sound 

He heard and saw. 



THE G-ATE OF HEAVEN. 

Now, at heaven's gate, 
There stood an ancient porch, in state : 
Almighty power, infinite skill 
Were joined, to beautify the hill 
Whereon it was. The mountain's head 
Rose eastward round the gate, which led. 
By Jacob's Ladder, down from heaven ; 
Which way was by Messiah given — 
A passage formed with steps of stone, 
Far down the steep from which was thrown, 
Across the boundless deep, a road, 
For saints who travel up to God ; 
And angels passed (by Jacob seen 
In vision) earth and heaven between. 

A lofty plain of large extent 

Stretched out beneath heaven'? battlement, 

With groves of waving majesty, 

Ethereal bloom on every tree : 

Ambrosial fruits dependent hung, 

In every ripening stage, among 



24 JACOB'S LADDER. 

LuxuTiaat boughs and rineclad bowers, 
Profusely strewn with spirit flowers 
Of every form, and varied hue, 
Forever springing, ever new ; 
And luscious clusters there revealed 
Their purple beauties, half concealed ; 
Cool waters flowed with murmuring sound, 
And balmy zephyrs breathed around, 
And without day, and without night, 
A silver, clear, and mellow light 
From every spot refulgent shone ;— 
Fair sight ! to mortal eyes unknown ! — 
And sylvan lodges in the grove, 
Where pensive angels lonely rove, 
And noble halls, and princely towers, 
"Where cherubs oft their happy hours 
Awhile do pass, in converse sweet, 
And hear afar the tempests beat 
O'er the abyss of hell, nor fear 
Decay, nor grief, nor danger near. 



Heaven's portal stood immensely great, 
Before and round the entrance gate. 
Joined to the wall, and reared on high 
Its swelling dome against the sky. 
Atlantean columns formed of gold. 
Twelve deep each way, of height untold, 
Each resting on its giant base. 
Unfold the glories of the place. 
And chapiters of form divine 
Aloft in symmetry combine. 



THE GATE OF HEAVEN. 25 

And bear the azure-vaulted sky, — 
A faultless mirror set on high. 
Earth's weary pilgrim, when at first 
Afar the mountain pillars burst 
Upon his eye, his bosom fills 
With joy sublime, and rapture thrills 
His swelling heart. In that glad hour, 
From every gem and living flower, 

Sweet peace, silent, distils. 
Along the waU of heaven, each side 
The city gate, lofty and wide 
Chambers, of more than magic charms, 
Were set, well stored with seraph's arms , 
The two-edged sword, and golden shield 
And spear, which mighty angels wield. 

Were hung in bright array. 
Around and round up from below. 
By marble, spiral steps, they go, — 

A broad and well-worn way, — 
To rooms of state, tier over tier. 
With quiet ante-chambers near. 

Retired from public gaze. 
Here instruments of song were hung, 
And golden harps, to which were sung 

Heaven's sweetest notes of praise. 
And there were set the books of fame. 
Rank over rank, and every name 
Of every saint beneath the sun. 
Who life shall win, or now hath won 

The crown of victory. 
Was written there ; a record clear 
Of all the elect, to heaven most dear, 

Who endless life shall see. 



26 JACOB'S LADDER. 

And here, wrote out by angel hands, 
\\T3ate'er was done in earth's broad lands 
Together in vast tomes was brought, — 
Minutest action, word, and thought ; 
The secret evil, good, and fair, 
Alike, were found recorded there, — 

A perfect history. 
In volumes, golden-leaved, were graven 
The fixed and dread decrees of heaven, — 

An awful mystery ; 
Nor dare the highest angel turn 
One leaf, the future there to learn. 

Or scan dim destiny. 
Below, the flaming chariots stood. 
Which oft went forth to bring the good 

From earth, across the shoreless deep; 
And watchful guards in courses wait 
Around the threshold of heaven's gate, 

And their eternal vigils keep. 
This princely palace, thus arrayed, 
An angel senate house was made; 
Where they full oft in council meet. 
And 'neath the eye of God complete 

Their schemes to bless mankind; 
No earthly temple, grand or fair. 
Could vie therewith in beauty rare, 

Or power and grace combined. 



THE GATHEKING. 27 



THE GATHERING-. 

Hither they come : a bright array, 
Unnumbered, to the realms of day 
At once the distant signal brings ; 
From farthest star, whose feeble light 
Scarce sheds on earth a gleam at night, 
They come on swift obedient wings. 
IDther they come ! far up the steep. 
By Jacob's Ladder, o'er the deep, 
From every region, every clime 
And spot where dwell the sons of time ; 
Their trackless way they eager trace. 
From every kingdom, every place 
Of being ; thro' the vast expanse. 
Onward their armies still advance. 
From heaven's domain each hill and dale, 
And every mount, and every vale. 
And every continent and shore. 
And every realm, their legions pour 
Thro' the imperial central seat 
Of heaven. The gathering millions meet 
Another army at the gate, 
Of fair-robed saints, who countless wait 
Around the Throne ; and now they come, 
To hear of Earth, theii- former home. 
And counsel give. Abel was there, 
And Abraham, and all who bear 
The scars of conflict, all who wear 



28 JACOB'S LADDER. 

Victorious crowns, gained in the fight 
Severe with sin, in garments white, 

Emblem of purity ; 
And ancient prophets, famed of old, 
And patriarchs, and warriors hold, 

A goodly company ; 
And youthful cherubs, glad and fair, 
Smiling they come, and charm the air 
With joyful songs, — all who were torn 
In childhood from the breast, and borne, 
Sweet buds I in loving arms on high, 
And reared by angels in the sky. 
No selfish heart, to friendship dead, 
No rebel will, by passion led, 

Came to that gathering fair; 
Nor hypocrite, with smiling eye. 
And smooth, false tongue, to frame a lie ; 

No slanderer was there. 
But all were gentle — all were strong 
Forever to oppose the wrong 
With stern resolve, and with their might 
Forever to uphold the right. 
And deep affection, rapturous love 
To God, and changeless faith, above 
All other thoughts their souls possessed, 
And fired with joy each constant breast. 
The smiling crowds each other greet ; — 
Archangels high archangels meet 

In heaven-born majesty ; 
And seraphs there, with bosoms pure, 
Meet kindred spirits, tried and sure, 

In sweetest harmony. 



RAPHAEL'S SPEECH. 



MICHAEL. 

Foremost among the ranks elect 
Stood noble Michael erect : 
Deep wisdom, gravity of mien, 
And meek humility, were seen 
To meet in him, and courage true, 
And vast strength, which no equal knew 

Save God's omnipotence. 
As president, and next the throne, 
He made God's wise decisions known ; 
And fair dehberation led, 
Just order keeping, as the head 

Of heaven's great audience. 
Then gentle Raphael arose. 
With grace angelic, to disclose 
The secret schemes and purpose fell 
Of Satan and the powers of hell. 



RAPHAEL'S SPEECH. • 

"Monsters of sin," said he, "I saw, 

Confusion joined against all law 

Or order; with licentious tongue 

Their hopes and purpose thus they sung : — 

THE SONG OF THE DEVILS. 

* We come ! we come ! from our home of fire ; — 
Strike! strike, ye devils, the deep-toned lyre, 
For we march to earth, to a fairer sky ; 
Raise ! raise your voices and banners high. 



so JACOB'S LADDER. 

Then hail to our chieftain, hold Satan, all hail ! 
Whose courage and -wisdom never shall fail ; 
By him will we conquer, hy him we will reign, 
And the triumph of freedom shall soothe all our pain. 

'We come ! ho, we come from our home of fire, 
Strike I strike, then, ye hraves, the high sounding lyre J 
Tho' our arms are dark, we are girded with might; 
Tho' our eyes are red, they are fierce for the fight. 
Then hail to the kings, false prophets, and priests, 
Who are foul in their counsels, and clean at their feasts ; 
For us shall they juggle, and cheat, and deceive, 
And, rohed in mock sanctity, all shall believe. 



Strike I strike, then, ye braves, the loud sounding lyre. 
Tho' our pennons are black, they shall wave in the blast 
And storm by which demons earth's skies overcast. 
Then woe to Messiah, woe, woe to his saints, 
And woe to the strong, woe to him who faints ! 
Down, down in the dust, never more to arise, 
We will cast all who Satan and freedom despise.' 

" With fiendish yell, and savage shout, 

They crowd the bridge, and empty out 

The rabble from the deep abyss, 

"While vvitch-hags scream, and serpents hiss ; 

And Satan, rebel chieftain, leads 

The noisy crew to hateful deeds. 

All breathe out war and shameful death 

Against Messiah, with each breath ; 

And, unopposed, they will no doubt 

Attempt the work, and weave about 



URIEL. 81 

His little flock their fearful charms 

To captivate, or by alarms 

"VTear out their souls, and scare away 

Those who would find the narrow way. 

They seek all means to circumvent 

The end for which Messiah went. 

Let us go forth with all our host, 

And, watchful, guard each dangerous coast j 

Quell all their force, the lion tame. 

And hurl them hack to night and shame." 

URIEL. 

Uriel then, bright morning star, 
Came forth to speak ; who saw afar 
The vast designs of the Supreme. 
True child-hke faith and wisdom beam 

From his fair face, 

And radiant grace, 
Rapture, and heartfelt JoA^ 

"Which knew no pain,^^ 

Nor sinful stain, 
And peace without alloy. 
With bosom burning, prompt he spake : 
" Ye holy armies, that I break 
Fair silence thus, no farther needs 
Excuse : such wanton, rebel deeds 
Recounted here, the loyal heart 
Must rouse, and strength divine impart, 
Bravely for holy truth to fight, 
For honor and eternal right. 
These wicked spirits, madly bent 
On largest freedom, to relent 



32 JACOB'S LADDER. 

Know not ; their choice wilful they take, 
And free prefer the burning lake, 
If, swine-like, they may wallow in 
The foul and loathsome ditch of sin. 
Satan, their tyrant, when he led 
Rebellion first in heaven, said : 
' Be pain my pleasure evermore, 
And what was holiness before, 
Be it, henceforth, as sin to me, 
And darkness light — flight darkness be : 
As king, forever I will reign 
O'er night, and sin, and death, and pain.' 
But not enough it seems they think 
To sin alone ; all earth must drink 
Their mingled cup. Impelled by hate. 
And malice driven, they lie in wait 
For every helping human friend ; 
But most against our Lord they bend 
Their hellis^force, for in his fall 
They hope Ipreach and ruin all. 
Such strange and nameless wickedness. 
Such war against all happiness, 

Withers their wretched souls ; 
Drenches their minds in every woe. 
And nourishes within a foe, 

Which eats hke living coals. 
Such is the end for which they plead. 
Such freedom have they while they lead 

Their scorched and shrivelled host ; 
And such fair harvesting they reap 
Of ripened misery, to keep 

Their mad and empty boast. 



THE MESSENGER. 33 

But fear not, ye who joyful stand 
In peace around, ye noble band 1 
Your matchless champion should fail 
Girded "with might, in garments red, 
He shall to earth each foeman tread 
Who dares oppose him, or assail. 
Meanwhile, my counsel is, we send 
To our wise King a loyal friend, 
To know His will, that we aright 
May move and battle in this fight." 



THE MESSENGER. 

Well pleased were all the sons of heaven 
Thereat ; at once the word was given, 
And soon a flaming seraph sped 
Thro' heaven's bright gate, with wings wide spread ; 
Entered the inner court ; with awe 
Covered his feet and face, nor saw 
Aught but the light refulgent there 
But felt the power, which everywhere 
Diverging forth, by laws unknown. 
Erom the eternal central throne, 
Cycles around in ways diverse. 
And moulds and guides the universe. 
The royal shepherd, while he went. 
Brought forth the ancient harp, and bent 
With practised hand the strings ; 
Unnumbered voices join the song, 
Accordant through the happy throng. 
As thus the Psalmist sings : — 
3 



84 JACOB'S LADDER. 



KING DAVID'S SONG. 

*' Ho ! come forth, all ye legions of darkness and sin, 
Follow Satan your chieftain with boasting and din ; 
Take ye counsel in secret, to snare and decoy, 
And combine all your forces to kill and destroy 
But remember the King and beware of his Son, 
And remember the battle He ever hath won; 
For his arm is almighty, all-wise his command ; — 
Messiah ! thine empire forever shall stand. 

*' Call from hell every craven soul, minion, and knave, 
And foul demon, and devil, sin's low cringing slave ; 
Bring the princes, false prophets, and priests to your aid, 
And all earth with the war-cry of freedom invade : 
But the bright stars of morning shall prove your vain boast, 
As with wide-spreading banners they meet your proud host. 
Then beware of the King, and beware of his Son, 
And remember th e battle He ever hath won. 

" Sing, All hail to Messiah ! our champion hail I 
Who will conquer for us though all hell should assail , 
Tho' for us he now battles, poor, sad, and alone, 
He shall soon grace in triumph his own ancient throne. 
On the head of the serpent Messiah shall tread, 
And the glory of hell shall lie low wi'-zh the dead. 
So beware of the King, and beware of his Son, 
And remember the battle He ever hath won. 

" lost enemy, on J Would ye trample all law 

In the dust ? war with nature and fate ? will ye draw 



»nCHAEL'S CHARGE. 35 

To your den, in amazement, the wickedly weak, 
And hell vengeance on erring humanity wreak ? 
Yet remember Messiah, the contest give o'er, 
And remember the battle, and cease, do no more. 
So beware of the King, and beware of his Son ; 
Be ye 'ware, for the battle He ever hath won." 

In sweet, entrancing notes, drawn out with skill. 

Their fearless song breathed o'er the heavenly hill ; 

Melodious sounds, soft rising from the wall 

And nooks of heaven's great portal, filled the hall 

With floods of music rolling to the sky, 

A mingled sea of choral minstrelsy. 

Each songster warbled ; one vast voice arose, 

Nor jar nor discord marred it to the close. 



MICHAEL'S CHAKaE. 

As died away the last expiring sound, 

Prince Michael arose and cast around 

His deep and mildly beaming eye, and said : 

'^ Angelic hosts ! our King and all- wise Head 

Uttered his will, — a golden leaf we turned, 

A leaf within the book of fate, and learned 

His fixed and dread decree ; and in his name 

We charge each child of heaven, each heir of fame, 

To mark the growing contest, and prepare. 

Watchful, in need most promptly each to bear 

His part appointed. Yet Messiah vnW, 

In single combat, Heaven's design fulfil. 



S6 JACOB'S LADDER. 

Alone, he must the perfect law ohey ; 
Alone, for his elect the ransom pay. 
Sinless and pure, he dies for sinful men, 
And glorious rises by his might again ; 
Nor all the hosts of hell nor powers of death 
Can conguet; him. Freely he yields his breath, 
A wilUng victim, nor can all their skill 
E'er stumble him to sin, or warp his will 
From holy truth, and just, eternal right ; 
For in him Deity hath veiled its might. 
But it remains for you, ye sons of heaven, 
To watch the mighty conflict, while 'tis given 
To Satan every hellish art to prove 
If force or fraud his faithful breast can move. 
Yet, in his mortal nature's mortal strife, 
Lend timely aid, uphold his sinking life 
Until the hour of sacrifice. Once more, 
We charge our warlike youth to keep secure 
Each humble learner in his humble flock ; 
Kindly ward off the threatened blow ; the shock 
Of conflict bear in their behalf, and cheer 
Their drooping spirits ; charm away their fear 
With heavenly music ; every anxious heart 
Give light divine, and heavenly peace impart 
To the dejected, tempted, and distressed. 
Who by the powers of darkness are oppressed. 
While I, by Heaven's decree, my station keep 
Of old appointed, let our armies sweep 
Across the deep abyss, marshalled and led 
By Gabriel the mighty ; who, as head 
Of our embattled host, must take and hold 
Each hamlet, city, vale, and mountain bold. 



MICHAEL'S CHARGE. 37 

With armed bands, from Jordan to the sea, 

From G&car to the north of Galilee, — 

A vast encampment, guarded by the arms 

Of sleepless sentinels. Warlike alarms 

Thro' all Judea shall affright the foe, — 

Hold him in check, that he no farther go 

Than God permits. Uriel, with his band 

Of threescore thousand veteran guards, will stand 

To keep Messiah's head, both night and day, 

Watch o'er his ev'ry footstep, and allay 

The pangs of sinking nature, 'mid the gloom. 

With blissful songs, and cheer him to the tomb. 

Delightful task ! to raise his languid head. 

And fill his famished soul with heavenly bread ; — 

Delightful task ! unseen to guard his pillow, 

And guide his bark upon the rolling billow. 

Oo forth, then, mighty warriors 1 fearless stand 

In bannered ranks around the holy land : 

Go forth, beneath your Prince's eye ye fight ; 

Return with him victorious, crowned with light." 

"So spake the seraph : and, in bright array, 
Unnumbered legions left the realms of day; 
With outspread wings army on army pressed, 
While all with tuneful notes thus Heaven addressed : — 



JACOB'S LADDER. 



THE HYMN OF THE ANGELS. 

Jehovah I holy, sovereign Lord ! 
The Father, Comforter, and Word ! 
Thou Three in One, and One in Three, 
Whose essence fills immensity ! 
mystery ! thou boundless Spring 
Whence all things flow, creation's King", 
The universe oheys thy nod, 
And, trembling, owns the eternal God. 

Thee ! Thee we praise, 
Whose glories shine with rays divine, 

Through endless days. 

Praise Him I ye mighty cherubim, 

Ye royal hosts, and seraphim ; 

Ye blood-bought saints arrayed in white ; 

Thou sun, and moon, ye stars of light ; 

Earth, field, and stream, sea, mount, and vale, 

And insect floating on the gale ; 

Ye beasts and birds that roam the wood. 

Ye fishes swimming in the flood ; — 

Let all that be 
Glad homage bring to God their King, 

In unity. 

Messiah I fount of Life and Light, 
Whose voice the gloom of empty night 
Filled, and illumed with works of skill, 
Thy word creates and governs stiU. 



THE HYMN OF THE ANGELS. 39 

In Thee all live, — the cherubim, 
And white-robed saints, and seraphim, 
And all in earth, field, flood, and sky ; 
At thy rebuke they fail and die. 

Glad would we fall 
At thy blest feet, and joyful greet 

Thee Lord of all. 



SKETCH III. 



2ral)or ; 



OR. 



THE MOUNT OF BEATITUDES, 



O'er eastern climes the orb of day 

Rolls gently up the ancient steep, 
And gilds Judea's hills, which lay, 

Like giant sentinels, asleep. 
Forth walks the shepherd with his flock, 

The husbandman turns up the soil, 
The fisher spreads upon the rock 

His net, and leaves his nightly toil ; 



42 TABOR. 

While Juda's flat-roofed cities break 
Night's stillness, and the echoes wake. 

II. 

Now multitudes on Tahor's brow 

Crowd to the spot where Jesus sits : 
The twelve, as learners, near him bow, 

While overhead the spring bird flits ; 
Beneath the oaks grave elders stand ; 

With them the babes and matrons seek 
The covert shade ; and o'er the land 

The Levant sea-breeze fans the weak. 
Afar, proud Lebanon is seen, 
And Carmel clad in fairest green. 

III. 

But hark ! Christ speaks : and solemn awe 

Its impress leaves on every face, 
While he expounds the ancient law. 

And offers terms of boundless grace. 
Now varying passions ebb and flow ; 

Now deep emotion swells each breast ; 
Now conscience feels the well-aimed blow, 

And humble penitents are blest. 
Amazed they hear, — astonished see, — 
He preaches with authority. 

IV. 

In simple guise, mistook by none 
Of all the unlearned multitude, 

He teaches by comparison, 

And well-turned, wise similitude. 



THE HOST OF HELL. 43 

How meek and mild Ms form appears ! 

His sympathizing eye how kind ! 
Prudent and grave beyond his years, 

He reads the secrets of the mind : 
Masked hypocrites are pale with fear, 
And Mammon's servants trembling hear. 

V. 

THE HOST OF HELL. 

'Mid this bright scene, so calm and fair, 

Messiah saw a cloud arise, 
Slow moving on the western air, 

But hidden quite from mortal eyes : 
Onward it swept, until at last 

It filled the Levant's wide sea-coast : 
And now the trumpet's scornful blast 

Betokens Satan and his host. 
Unmoved, he views their legions stand 
In hostile ranks o'er all the land. 



VI. 



And first, they weave a charmed camp chain 

From north to south, along the shore ; 
Thence east across the desert plain 

To the Dead Sea ; then north once more, 
By Jordan's stream to its first source ; 

Thence westward to the nether sea ; 
And sentries march around in course. 

To guard and keep their movements free. 
Dark columns compass Salem's walls, 
And enter Pilate's marble halls. 



44 TABOR. 

Yn. 

ProTia Satan, with a chosen few 

Of kindred spirits, wheeled around, 
Then northward swift to Tabor flew, 

And 'mid the crowd Messiah found : 
As prowhng wolves the thicket scour. 

And gnash their teeth upon the prey ; 
So mix they in the throng, and glower 

With fiendish scowl on Christ that day. 
He heeds them not : unshaken still, 
He publishes his Father's will. 

vm. 

THE AHMY OF HEAVEN. 

The blazing sun stood poised between 

That fair morn's race and evening rest, 
When still another host was seen, 

Uprising from the far south-west ; 
And smiling ranks with shield and bow, 

As sea-sands numberless, appear; 
And sweetest songs, so soft and low, 

They reach alone Messiah's ear. 
The royal banner floats on high ! 
The mighty host of heaven is nigh ! 

IX. 

Now like a storm-gust, gathering still, 
Bright legions to the centre crowd : 



THE ARMY OF HEAVEN. 45 

The trumpet wakes, and clarion shrill, . 

While angels shout their songs aloud ; 
And Prince Uriel leads the way. 

With threescore thousand veterans true ; 
Dense columns march in close array, 

"^Vhose arms reflect the lightning's hue ; 
And still that banner floats on high ! 
The mighty host of heaven is nigh ! 

X. 

They reach the cham — they know its charm ; 

And ere the sentinels might fly 
Or flying swiftly, give alarm, 

Uriel raised his sword on high : 
Gleaming it hung there a brief space, 

Then like a lightning glance it fell ; 
Through link and ring, and strong side brace, 

It tore, and thus dissolved the speU 
The web chain parts, the pickets fall, 
And mail-clad ranks tramp o'er it all. 

XI. 

Now to the Levant's south-east shore 

A silver brook comes murmuring down : 
No traveller had seen before 

Aught, save the sea-cUff's rocky brown. 
(Whether that rock were thunder-riven, 

What veteran traveller can tell ? 
Or by earth's shock asunder driven ?) 

The angel's sword there flashing fell, 
And tore the breast of mother earth, 
And gave the shining torrent birth. 



46 TABOR. 

XII. 

Let angry critics lay aside 

Their passion, and betimes confess, 
That other truths there be, beside 

What they, poor sophisters, profess. 
Whose hands unseen direct the storm ? 

Or heaven's swift blazing arrows guide? 
Or what unknown, not earthly, form 

Behind the summer cloud doth hide? 
What messenger, to do His will, 
Who governs all — Jehovah still ? 

XIII. 

THE ALARM. 

Roused by their sentinels' alarms, 

The enemy gird on their mail ; 
With rallying shout, they seize their arms, 

And pour from every hill and vale, 
And white-walled city, where they lay - 

Encamped secure ; now forth they leap, 
And columns form in dread array, 

And onward like a tempest sweep, 
To glut their vengeance, and assuage 
Their cruel hate and furious rage. 

XIV. 

But Gabriel, skilled in war of old, 
The centre leads to meet the shock. 

And, strong in arms, numbers untold 
Around the royal banner flock ; 



THE TRANSMIGRATION. 47 

For millions form the centre there, 
AVith many a league of well-set ranks, 

And millions form side columns, where, 
To right and left, upon the flanks 

They march, and in a circle go 

Around the o'erreached, outnumbered foe. 

XV. 

Then Satan rushed, foaming with rage, 

Now here, then there, like a wild hoar 
Or new-caught lion in a cage. 

And passage sought, with angry roar. 
The foe, no doubt, had now been bound. 

And hurled beneath, and hell's strong gate 
Fast closed : but, when at last they found 

The battle lost, they bowed to fate; 
Like tigers starved, they meekly crave 
Forbearance from their victors brave. 

XVI. 

THE TRANSMIG-HATION. 

And now Messiah waves his hand 

From Tabor, and heaven's hosts obey ; 
They stay their march and watchful stand, 

AVhile Satan's legions melt away. 
And here, vast droves of swine arise. 

And snort, and dash along ; and there, 
Unnumbered swarms of whizzing flies 

Shoot meteor-like athwart the air : 



48 TABOR. 

And hissing serpents crawl around 
The trees and rocks, or on the ground. 

XVII. 

Some change to cawing rooks, and fly- 
In countless flocks, with lazy wing; 

And some, as toads, with staring eye, 
To covert hedge or crevice spring. 

In loathsome forms they flee, and soon 
In desert wilds and caverns hide ; 

And watch-dogs howl and bay the moon 
All night, until the morning tide 

Awakens men afar and near 

From dreamy dread, and ghostly fear. 

XVIII. 

Meanwhile, Uriel with his band 

Of twelve tried legions swiftly flew, 
Nor pause they till in rank they stand 

At Tabor's base, in Jesus' view. 
Henceforth, by day they glad attend, 

Unseen by mortals, all his ways ; 
Encamped at eve they joyful bend, 

And pour their sweetest songs of praise ; 
Or, when all night He prays, they spread 
A heavenly glory o'er his head. 

XIX. 

EYENINa. 

Now darkness veils the eastern sky, 
And spreads its mantle o'er the land; 



GABRIEL. 

While one by one bright gems on high 
Creep twinkling forth, and blazing stand, 

As if intent to scan the earth, 
And light with their ethereal fire 

Time's night scenes, where the monstrous birt] 
Of foul misdeeds and portenuS dire 

Is dimly hid in shadows deep. 

And all mankind in qui«t sleep. 

XX. 

Along the eastern mountain side 

Of Tiber's deep and placid sea. 
The Prince of darkness sought to hide, 

Or 'mid the shades to wander free ; 
But soon saw Gabriel afar, 

Who trod, with giant step, the waye — 
His pathway set with many a star, 

Whose faint rays in the deep sea lave. 
The fiend, to meet him, forward pressed. 
Whom Gabr'el, pausing, thus addressed : — 

XXI. 

aABRIEL 

" Where is thy boasting now, proud spirit ? where 

Thy laurels sought in vain? 
And where thy rebel host, who madly dare 

The weight of endless pain ? 

What profit have ye in 

Your bold, presumptuous sin, 

Since first, as stars of morn, 

Ye sunk beneath in scorn, 
4 



60 TABOR. 

And quenched your beams in darkness and despair? 
Say, what reward for all the pain ye hear ? 

What hope or solace, then. 

Have you in sinful men, 
That thus you brought all hell in arms this day 
To tear man's fairest, sweetest hopes away, 

And drag him to your den?" 



XXII. 

SATAN. 

Haughty and dark the enemy replied : — 
" What right hast thou to ask ? 

Or why wilt question what thou hast not tried 1 
For thee a useless task. 
Enough that we are free, 
And such will ever be 
In spite of law or king. 
Who would to bondage bring 

Our freeborn souls. We spurn despotic sway, 

And loathe the pious ranks we met to-day. 
True, you have won the field. 
Yet we our arms still wield 

Against your hated rule, and still advise 

Mankind to guard their freedom, and be wise. 
In truth, thou hast not tried 

Our joy." To whom the angel thus replied : — 



<JABRIEL— SATAN. 61 

XXIII. 

GABRIEL. 

*' There is no freRdom where eternal right 

Is scorned and disallowed • 
There is no happiness nor true delight 

Among the squalid crowd, 

Who, seeking to be free. 

Are slaves to sin and thee. 

For under wrath ye grind, 

Weary with woe and blind, 
And drink the bitter cup of lust and shame, 
And feel the deathless worm and quenchless flame. 

Who then hath need to try 

What it is such death to die, 
Since all behold the problem solved in thee ? 
Lucifer ! canst thou thine image see ? 

Then haste, to darkness fly 1" 

xxiy. 

SATAN. 

*' And why wilt thou reproach me," Satan said, 

" For honorable scars ? 
Such proof of patriot toil in conflicts dread 

Nor form nor beauty mars. 

But let thy cavils go : 

Tell me, for I would know, 

If to torment us now 

The Holy One and thou 



62 TABOR. 

Art come before the time ? What is your aim ? 
If good, my ready aid you well may claim : 

For true it is. most men 

Adhere to me, and when 
I will, I move them ; and I ever seek 
To hold in check the strong and help the weak, 

And all their burdens share." 
The angel answered, of his wiles aware : — 

XXV. 

GABRIEL. 

" Thou hypocrite, avaunt I nor meanly try 

To mask thy burning hate, 
And paint rebellion with a smooth-tongued lie, 

Thy guilt to palliate. 

Art thou a friend of man, 

By whom his woes began, 

And by whose cursed spell 
The earth is stained with gore, and hell 
With startling groans of agony resounds ? 
And dare you shameless plead your toils and wounds 

Endured to aid the weak ? 

Since, serpent-like, you seek 
To steep in crime the good and true 
That they may taste sin's nameless ills with you. 

XXVI. 

"And dost thou hope to search the deep decrees 
Of heaven's omniscient Lord ? 

And dost thou think he marks not thee, nor sees 
Thy hidden schemes abhorred ? 



THE SECOND MORNING. 53 

Enough for thee to know, . 

Thou canst no farther go 

Than He permits, whose will 

O'errules, and holds thee still. 
Unwilling, thou shalt glorify in shame 
Thine ancient Sovereign, whose all-glorious name 

Shall shine with brighter beams, 

While grace in richer streams 
Flows ever from his throne; and changeless right 
And holy truth, as pillars in thy sight, 

Shall bear the boundless world 

When thou with thine art hurled 
To deeper deeps of hopeless, endless night." 

xxvn. 

Half choked with rage and stung with shame, 

To blacker shades the fiend returned. 
And blasphemed God, and cursed the flame 

Which, pent within his bosom, burned ; 
Ye planned revenge amid his pains. 

And darker guilt and deeper wounds. 
The angel o'er Judea's plains 

Resumes once more his nightly rounds 
From camp to camp, amid watch-fires. 
And sweet watch-songs, till night retires. 

xxvin. 

THE SECOND MORNIlSra. 

Sweet was the morn with fragrant flowers, 
And dewy pearl' drops radiant shone; 



St TABOK. 

While yellow beams on balmy bowers 
And waving palms aslant were thrown. 

Now Esdraelon and Tabor's side 
Are gemmed with dusky tents, which fling. 

Long shadows. There the crowd abide, 
Who to the Great Physician bring 

Their languid, pale-faced sick, and hear 

Heaven's Teacher with a willing ear.. 

xxixr. 

ALEAH. 

Among the gazing throng was none 

Approached the Master with more awe 
Than Aleah, the widow's son; 

Who, waking from the dead, first saw 
His gentle form and beaming eye, 

And marked with ever fresh delight 
His miracles and majesty^, 

And mighty wonders wrought in sight 
Of all ; and heard his powerful voice. 
Which bade the trembling heart rejoice. 

XXX. 

Some months agone, by Jabbok's stream 
Retired, his mother dwelt alone ; 

And Aleah she well might deem 
Her only stay, now almost grown. 

His youthful frame grew strong and fair 
In early manhood's ripening grace. 



ALEAH. 55 



And the maternal eye saw there, 

Portrayed anew, a once loved face : 
His winning ways, which all admire, 
Resemble much his sainted sire. 



XXXI. 

When spring came gaily forth with showers, 

And spread its mantle green. 
He sowed the seed in morn's fair hours, 

With patient, manly mien ; 
When summer shone fierce on the plain, 
He bound the sheaves and trod the grain, 

And filled their store anew; 
And gathered fruits when autumn smiled, 
And fuel brought for winter wild, 

To filial duty true. 



XXXII. 

But sorrow's iron hand was laid 

Cold on the mother's heart : 
Her cherished flower began to fade, 

Her cherished joys depart; 
Nor love, nor grief, nor skill might save 
The life devoted to the grave. 

But ere the fatal hour, 
Hope dawned, — a Hebrew maiden came, 
Bespoke a new-come prophet's fame. 

And told his healing power. 



58 TABOR. 

XXXIII. 

" In Galilee he dwells, and there 

Take Aleah with speed : 
He cures the sick with kindly care 

They hear to him in need." 
So spake the maid ; and forth they went, 
Borne hy a camel kindly lent, 

And hy his master led. 
Within a wicker frame they ride, 
In two compartments, one each side, 

And curtains overhead. 

XXXIV. 

They soon reached Jordan's eastern shor©, 

And passed the lucid wave ; 
Then northward trod the plain once more, 

With speed which pity gave. 
The sick youth raised his drooping eye 
Up to the hright and blooming sky, 

And sighed and strove to smile. 
The driver sought to soothe his pain 
By kind attentions, not in vain. 

And gentle words the while. 

XXXV. 

On, and still onlie led the way, 
And toward Tabor pressed. 

The youth grew weaker as the day 
Sunk golden in the west. 



ALEAH. 57 

With pangs of dissolution rent, 
They laid him in the inn, and sent 

For men to hear his bed : 
But all in vain, they come too late ; 
His breath is gone, — his soul the gate 

Hath passed unto the dead. 

XXXVI. 

Now dumb with grief the widow stood, 

And saw the coming crowd, 
Who gave her comfort as they could, 

Nor spake they aught aloud. 
The matrons quickly lead away 
The mother, while the elders stay 

And fun'ral rites prepare : 
The young men watch beside the dead. 
Prepared with grave-clothes overspread, 

All night, with pious care. 

xxxvn 

And on the morrow, many go 

To drop a kindly tear. 
They lead the mother sad and slow ; 

The young men bear the bier. 
And singing women loudly wail ; 
The trembling mourner follows pale, 

With sobs and drooping head ; 
And past the city gate the train 
Bends slowly round the tomb, to gain 

The dwelling of the dead. 



58 TABOR. 

XXXVITI. 

THE BESURIIECTION. 

Why stops the lengthened train ? and why 

This throng of strangers here ? 
And who is this with moistened eye, 

Whose hand is on the bier ? 
The Prophet ! hark ! " Weep not," he said ; 
" Young man, arise." At once the dead 

Sat up and spoke aloud. 
joyful day ! the mourner's tears 
Are dried at length, and pious fears 

Pervade the wondering crowd 

XXXIX. 



With youth renewed thy dwelling seek. 
Thy risen son new balm shall pour 

Into thy wounded heart, and speak 
New words of comfort to thine age ; 

And when life's ebbing tide shall cease, 
He shall thy mortal pains assuage ; 

His hands shall close thine eyes in peace, 
And deck with filial flowers thy bed 
When thou art sleeping with the dead. 

XL. 

That second mom on Tabor's brow 
Found Aleah, with Chuza's son 



THE INVITATION. 59 

And other youth, who follow now 

The Christ, for he their hearts had won; 
And modest on the rising hill 

They stood, with aspect grave, to hear 
His words of wisdom, which distil 

Like honey drops, and charm the ear ; 
Or sat apart beneath the shade. 
While each to each his heart displayed. 

XLI. 

THE INVITATION. 

" Ye weaiy, way-worn, come !" Messiah cried, 

" Who rest and solace crave; 
Ye, who with garments soiled, griefs multiplied, 

Would gladly find the grave : 

Come then, come to me, 

Ye burdened, come and be 

At peace ; for I am meek. 
And well I love the poor and weaJk. 
From heaven I come, to calm the troubled breast, 
And heal the broken heart by woes distressed. 

I set the captive free ; 

I make the sightless see. 
Come then, ye weary souls, and gain the rest 
Prepared for those by guilt and fear oppressed ; 

Come, freely come to me. 

XLII. 

"Ye, who have sought through earth's delights afar 
To quench your deathless thirst, 



60 TABOR. 

And by the blaze of many a wandering star 

Have gone astray accursed, 

Ask then, ask of me 

Water of life, and he 

Forever hlest. A well 

Shall spring within, and qnell 
The vicious thirst for earthly joy and gold, 
And new delights, and happiness untold, 

Shall gush and sparkle there, 

If you my yoke will hear. 
My life I give, that you may never die, — 
Your sorrows carry, that you never sigh : 

Ask then, ask the cup from me, 
And be from mortal thirst forever free. 

XLin. 

"And would ye fly the painful strife within, 

And with yourselves have peace ? 
I from the loathsome leprosy of sin 

"Will grant a sweet release. 

Look then, look, and live ; 

For freely I will give 

A new and heavenly birth, 
And purge away the dross of earth. 
The breath of heaven shall kindle life divine,— 
A Ufe whose flame shall ever burn and shine 

On earth ; and when on high 

Beneath the cloudless sky, 
And deep ilhmitable blue, 
Where pure ethereal joys the just bedew, 

That life, star-Uke, shall flame and glow 
More bright, nor cloud nor shade shall ever know. 



THE INVITATION. 61 



XLni. 



** Ye doubting, come, who search in vain the cause 
Of your inbred distress. 

Would ye be wise and learn the changeless laws 
Of human happiness ? 
Come then to me, and know 
Whence all your sorrows flow, 
And you shall find sweet peace, 
And every happiness increase. 

If you my doctrines hear and willing keep. 

When the wild storms and wrathful tempest sweep 
The pillars of the world, 
And wreck on wreck be hurled ; 

Then shall ye stand unmoved upon the rock, — 

By me upheld, shall fearless meet the shock ; 
Shall dire destruction breast, 

And enter, scatheless, heaven's eternal rest. 



SKETCH IV. 



35 etf) an^* 



SOLILOQUY OF LAZARUS. 

** Jerusalem ! thou daughter of the skies ! 

How sweetly calm the fading light of eve 

Pencils thine outline dim upon the west. 

Thou holy fane I the only spot of earth 

Polluted, where Jehovah deigns to dwell, 

Crowning Moriah's sacred mount, how fair 

The brightening rays of evening's silver lamp 

Now glitter On thy polished marhli white; 

How fair upon the holy city falls 

The mellow moonli ht, casting shadows deep 

Where Zion's hill is capped with palaces 

And towers. There dwelt the royal shepherd, who, 

Somewhile, with stern war-cry the Hebrews led 

To victory, against the enemies 



64 BETHANY. 

Of God; somewhile, with gentle notes, with pipe 
And harp, he taught the tribes of Israel 
The arts of peace; and then with ear attent 
Caught strains of harmony, which, faintly borne 
Afar from dim eternity, impressed 
His plastic soul : these warbling forth he left — 
Imperishable left — to teach mankind 
In every age how God must be adored. 
There dwelt the matchless Solomon the Wise ; 
And there in after times their noble sons, 
Anointed kings by heaven installed ; and there 
The smoke of incense, and the altar's flame 
Devotional, ascended ever, morn 
And even, in sacrifice perpetual. 

holy city ! chosen of our God ! 
To thee our tribes still come with offerings 
From Galilee, Judea, and from Rome ; 
From Athens, Egypt, and the sumptuous East, 
Where our lost ten on heathen soil remain. 
From every nation where the Hebrew dweUs, 
Scattered abroad in these last evil days, 
Here come they to the solemn feasts ordained 
Of old, and pay their vows to the Most High. 

How still the closely crowded city now ! 
The multitude the paschal supper brings, 
In silent slumber wrapped, oblivious lie ; 
While all the glories of the night shine out 
Unnoted, unobserved. The earnest moon 
Looks deeply down the southern sky, aslant 
On Kedron's narrow, rugged bed, and seems 
To gaze with her meek eye into the rank 
And loathsome mysteries of Hinnom's vale. 



SOLILOQUY OF LAZARUS. 65 

Yet mournful thoughts intrude, as here I view 
The scene of mighty deeds in days of yore, 
When glory crowned our cherished, chosen race. 
How fallen now from our first far-fame'd height 
Of fair renown ! No royal Prince now claims 
The ancient throne. These Roman eagles foul, 
And gorged with human carnage, boldly fly 
Upon our battlements and sacred towers, 
And rule supreme the heritage ef God. 
These things, methinks, forebode fast coming change, 
Perhaps some dire calamity, unless 
Jesus, the Heaven-sent prophet, interfere, 
And save our falling nation from disgrace. 
Although by our great council not received, 
He must the Shiloh be, the Son of God, 
The long-expected hope of Israel : 
His matchless power, which raised m^ from the dead, 
And through the land works wonders greater far 
Than those recorded in oar sacred books. 
Proclaims Messiah present, and endued 
With needful skill and strength to liberate 
The sons of Judah from their low estate.'* 

So spake the gentle Lazarus, and turned 
From Olive's southern slope, and homeward bent 
His musing footsteps back to Bethany, 
Where dwelt the pious household, whose kind roof 
So often sheltered the Messiah's head. 
Mary was there, who sat at Jesus' feet, 
A learner, spell-bound by his words divine; 
And careful Martha, cumbered with the toils 
Of mortal life, which choke the heavenly seed : 
5 



BETHANY. 

Yet each one joyed to call the Master, Friend, 
And had, with cheerful diligence, prepared 
To welcome Jesus to their quiet home, 
To rest o'er-J^earied nature, and repose 
After the labors of the day, while he 
Attendance gave upon the festival, 
Now near at hand. 



LEMUEL. 

Already Lemuel, 
Their friend, from Alexandria renowned, — 
A city rich and great, and frequented 
By merchant Jews, — against the paschal feast 
Was come, after long years, to see once more 
The holy place, and bring the precious gifts 
His brethren sent, to grace Jehovah's shrine. 
At Bethany he tarried, as a guest 
Invited, while he paid his pious vows, 
And sacrifices made, to Judah's God. 

Now early on the morrow, Martha asked 
When the Great Teacher would arrive 
From Ephraim, and with his presence grace 
Their dwelUng. Lemuel, with eagerness. 
Inquired of whom she spake. Then Mary said, 
" Of Jesus, called the Christ, and him who raised 
My brother from the dead, my sister spoke. 
He is the best, the noblest far of men ; 
His speech is heavenly, wise, and fills the soul 
With penitential joy and placid peace; 
His miracles are worthy of the Son 



CHRIST THE MESSIAH. 67 

Of God." " I heard," cried Lemuel, " his name 

Repeated at the temple gate, "by some 

Who blessed the God of Jacob, that again 

Our chosen nation he had visited 

With mighty signs, such as our fathers saw. 

But little note I took of their discourse. 

As they were countrymen ; whom the priest heard, 

And called him ' Nazarene, accurst of God,' 

And ' foul deceiver, — who, with Satan joined, 

Beguihng simple souls by helUsh arts, 

Would, unrestrained, bring ruin swift upon 

This sacred place.' Methinks you run too fast. 

And raise too high in dignity this man, — 

To whom we owe some debt of gratitude. 

If he, indeed, hath raised our brother here 

Up from the grave. Yet still, I pray, beware, 

Lest, led by bhnd affection, ye should err 

To your great injury." 



CHRIST THE MESSIAH. 

Then Lazarus : — 
" I wonder not that thou, arriving late 
From foreign lands afar, shouldst doubt 
Who Jesus is. But hadst thou plainly seen 
As I have seen, and heard as I have heard 
This Godlike man, no hesitating doubt 
Could Uve a moment to perplex your soul. 
Four days I lay polluted in the grave, 
When He, with pity for my sisters touched, 
Came out of Galilee, and with the voice 



68 BETHANY. 

Of the Eternal, roused my sleeping clay. 
Forth from the shades my wiUing spirit came 
At His command. His word new vigor lent 
To my reanimated frame, and health 
And pleasure swelled my veins afresh. And this 
Alone would prove His heaven-sent mission here : 
But mark, such deeds of power, such mighty signs 
Are His accustomed task — His daily work. 

For three years past, and more, Jerusalem, 
Judea, GaUlee, and Tyre remote, 
And the dark lands beyond fair Jordan's flood, 
Have witnessed miracles unnumbered, such 
As Joshua and Moses had rejoiced 
To see. In Cana, at a marriage feast, 
Six water pots were by the servants filled 
With water from the spring ; the which they drew? 
And, at His bidding, gemmed the festal cups 
Therewith, and gave the guests. Sparkling it flowed 
Red wine — such wine as Eschol's vintage gives 
When the ripe clusters yield their purple flood. 

Again, a nobleman of Herod's court 
Bewailed his son as lost ; and while he lay, 
Parched with a raging fever, reft of hope, 
He rode in haste to Jesus for relief, 
A whole day's journey. Jesus with a word. 
At so great distance, healed the dying child. 
And sent the joyful father home, to see 
How great the blessing he had gained might be. 

Once, from a ship moored near the level shore 
Of deep Tiberias, which mirror-like 
Unwrinkled lay, He taught the multitude : 
And when he ceased, he bade the fishermen 



CHRIST THE MESSIAH. ( 

Remove, and cast their nets into the deep ; 

Who, having toiled all night in vain, obeyed 
Reluctantly. They from the wave then drew 
Their burdened nets, filled with the finny tribes, 
And loaded well two ships at that one draught. 

How many demons hath he exorcised I 
How many healed of mortal leprosy 1 
How many, sunk beneath a load of woe, 
And deep infirmities — the deaf, the dumb, 
The bhnd, the lame — have by a word received 
Soul-satisfying health !" 

Then Lemuel : — 
*' Where are the signs from heaven, such as becomo 
Messiah, Son of God, when he appears V 

The other answered : " What dost thou desire 
More than the heavenly voices, which so oft 
Bear testimony to his mission here ? 
What more canst ask than this, — that he hath fed 
And filled four thousand famished men, when once 
Two fishes from a lad, and five small loaves 
He took, and blessed, and by creative power 
Increased, and gave, and satisfied them all ? 

Art still incredulous ? Another, then, 
From out the multitude, must now suffice. 
At even-tide He entered with the twelve 
A ship ; and while they sailed he lay asleep. 
His human nature, overcome by toil, 
And diligence o'erstrained, in calm repose 
Recruited, while the southern tempest wild 
Arose, and raged, and lashed the foaming sea, 



70 BETHANY. 

Whicli rolled in angry billows to engulf 

Their trembling bark. Unstrung with fear, at last 

They woke the Mastet, who, in majesty, 

Rebuked the wind and waves. As when at first 

Jehovah spake, and earth, and air, and sea, 

Sprung forth at his command, and joyed to be ; 

So the wild elements, when Jesus spoke, 

Obedient heard, their angry discord broke. 

And owned the voice Divine which bade them cease: 

Like servants, all obeyed, and all was peace." 

Then Lemuel : — " We oftentimes have heard 
Of prophets, who for gain false wonders work : 
Altho' I take him not for such, what end 
Hath all his teaching?" 

Lazarus replied : — 
'* He doth uphold the law by rigorous 
Interpretation, such as never scribe 
Nor learned Rabbi gave. Then, He applies 
The sense to every conscience, searching out 
Each hidden sin, and laying bare each heart. 
Oft have I marked his audience and Him, 
And well am I convinced he reads our thoughts. 
He is, I doubt not. He who tries the reins — 
The great Heart-searcher. High and low alike 
Receive correction from his fearless lips. 

But stranger still, — more wonderful and new, — 
The penitential sinner hath from him 
A merciful acquittal : criminals 
Of deepest guilt, when mourning o'er their shame, 
Have heard him speak forgiveness full and free ; 



CHRIST THE MESSIAH. 71 

And trembling abjects from his presence oft 
Have gone with tears of joyful grief, while hope, 
With visions fair of everlasting peace, 
Hath dawned upon their night of long despair. 

With wisdom, miracles, and dignity- 
Unparalleled, he hath no earthly lands, 
No equipage, no wealth, no servile hands 
To minister to him : on charity he lives, 
Such as the pious heart, free, willing, gives." 

That evening, Lemuel with Lazarus 
Reclined, a guest, around the festal board 
In Simon's house. Jesus himself was there, 
And Martha served. Thenceforth, the six short days 
Messiah lived and taught, he saw and heard. 
Most watchfully observant. Lazarus, 
His life endangered by conspiracy, 
Abode within ; while Lemuel secure 
Went and returned, a faithful messenger, 
To Salem forth and back to Bethany. 

Thus he rehearsed the doings of our Lord, 
When He in triumph rode, while babes and men 
To Him, united, glad hosannas raised; 
And, when aroused with zeal. He with a scourge 
Drove out rich worldlings from God's holy house. 
So, when the Sanhedrim, by envy moved. 
Held frequent conclave to procure His death, 
Returning homeward, he the rumor poured 
Into their anxious ears. At even-tide 
Messiah came each day to Bethany, 
Until the last, the sad, the final night 
Of his deep agony. Gethsemane. 



72 BETHANY. 

With her deep olive shade, receiyed Him then ; 
And then the palace of the proud High Priest ; 
And then the Roman Pilate's judgment-hall : 
From thence, the cross and Calvary were near. 

That crucifixion morning, Lemuel, 
In haste and sad, returned to Bethany, 
And told the weeping household how with chains 
They hound, and scourged, and led away to death 
Their Friend. Then waihng, mournful, loud and deep, 
And gushing from the inmost soul, was heard 
Through all that dwelling. 



SKETCH V. 



E\it Sactiticc 



BEAHINa THE CROSS. 

Lead on ! lead on ! the goal is near : 
One manful stand for friends most dear- 
One conflict stern — one struggle more, 
And the last agony is o'er. 
Lead on ! lead on ! I freely bear 
This heavy load for those I love : 
For them the rage of hell I dare, 
And meet the vengeance from above. 



74 THE SACRIFICE. 

The hour is come I and Calvary, 

How black the sky hangs over thee ; 
The troubled stars shine dim on high, 
The night-birds, trembhng, start and cry. 

Ye Romans I end your task ! 
From you no pity may I seek ; 
But of my Father will I ask. 

That he your pardon speak. 
Each heavy blow, each infixed nail, 
Tortures my quivering muscles frail ; 
The cross is raised, and downward sent. 
And all my limbs are racked and rent : 
My friends are fled, my helpers fail, 
The abjects gather ; — hark ! they rail ! 
How dread this deep, supernal gloom ! 
These strokes of justice, dealing doom, 
Anguish unspeakable impart 
To my o'erwrought and broken heart. 
Now, crushed beneath a load of woes. 
Their woes for whom my life-blood flows, 
The victim on the altar lies : 
Father, accept the sacrifice. 
The covenant thou mad'st with me 
Ere time sprang from eternity, 
I seal it thus with many a tear ; 
I die to ransom those most dear. 

Whose names are in the scroll. 
The broken law's full just demand, 
Accept it, Father, at my hand, 
And freely roll on me the whole, 
For here I offer up my soul 

To meet the stern command. 



ABEL FROM THE C.ROSS. 75 

n. 

ABEL mOM THE CROSS. 

So spake the Son of God, and turned 
His thought omniscient on the past, 
When gentle Abel's offering burned 
With fire from heaven upon the altar cast. 

Then time was young, 

And heavenly breathings sprung 
Unbidden upward in his breast, — 
A shadow dim of future rest. 

By man untaught, unsung. 
In type, upon the altar then 
He saw the sacrifice of men, — 
The Seed, to crush the serpent's head, 
To vivify with heavenly breath 

Man's soul, enchained by death. 
And raise the mortal and immortal dead. 
The Antitype divine doth now 

Fulfil his ancient vow, • 

And die for him whose loving heart 
To tears and chastened joy was given — 
(His favored firstling) — to impart 
Pardon unbought, and bliss in heaven. 
Though he hath been three thousand years 
In glory, freed from mortal fears. 
The pledge the Father then received, 

And which all heaven believed, 

Ere one of Adam's race 
In happiness might find a place, 
Is now redeemed — the ransom paid, 
And all his guilt is on Messiah laid. 



76 THE SACRIFICE. 

ni. 

ENOCH FBOM THE CROSS. 

Ye venerable sons of Seth, 
Who half immortal lived on earth, — 
Whose pilgrimage, begun so near the birth 
Of time, -was dipt at last by death, — 
Christ from the cross remembers you, 

And to his oath is true : 
Else, who had saved you in that early day 
When Enoch walked with God serene. 
And trod the earth with reverend mien, 

Nor suffered time's decay ? 
What power had else in secret drawn 
Your blinded souls to mark the dawn 
Of mercy, beaming from the skies, 
And bade you rise, 

And seek immortal gain ; 
While every child of cursed Cain 
Sought happiness in sordid dust. 
And scorned and mocked the good and just, 
Unheedful still of endless pain ? 

The Holy Spirit given, 
■ • Inspired those chosen men for heaven, 

And white-robed truth, and priceless grace. 
Imparted life to all the pious race. 
Heaven's portal Christ wide open spread 

Eor all the faithful dead ; 
But gave to Enoch deathless rest, 
Who in a flaming chariot rode. 
Sat down undying with the blest. 
And there abode. 



THE SACRIFICE. 77 

IV. 

Thus, in review 

Came all the saints of God, 
Who in the pilgrim's path had trod, 
And hattled well with courage true, 

From Adam to that hour. 

And then Messiah prayed 
For all the faithful undismayed. 
Apostles, martyrs, witnesses. 
And saints who should on earth he his. 

And own his sovereign power. 
He saw their foes — he knew their fears, 
Their sufferings in all future years. 
Their toils endured, and, for his sake, 
Their silent prison and the stake ; 
He saw his poor covered with scorn, 
The outcasts houseless and forlorn ; 
He saw them conquer mid their woes, 
He saw them triumph o'er their foes, 

And all their proud knees hend ; 
Until, through every realm and clime. 
Each distant trihe in that last time 
Received his law, and sin and shame 
Slunk hack to hell to hear his name : 
He saw, and knew the end. 



SKETCH VI. 



3rj)e 3?enitent STJiet 



The sun went down at last on Calvary, 
And hasted to illumine western climes 
And surf'beat islands, gemming boundless floods, 
Wlien myriads of holy beings came, 
"With garlands, wreaths, and songs of victory, 
To greet Messiah at his royal feast, 
And welcome him as heir and Lord of heaven. 

Outside the city wall, a lofty plain 
Spread southward from the gate of heaven afar. 
Decked with a carpet of perennial green, 
Which beautified the landscape wide. And groves, 
Arrayed in deep ethereal evergreen, 
Arose from hillocks here and there dispersed, 
And waved in majesty. A river rolled 
Its crystal waters gently out of heaven, 



80 THE PENITENT THIEF. 

And -winding, flowed across the plain, among 

The trees of life which lined its verdant banks : 

Onward it wider grew, and deeper, till 

The cool pellucid flood became at length 

A silver-sheeted lake. Perennial flowers, 

In infinite variety of form 

And color, glowed, like stars instinct with life : 

Some reared their lofty heads gigantic here, 

(The only true centennial plants,) and there. 

With sweet retiring modesty adorned, 

Some hid their charms beneath a ranker growth. 

And vines, in shape and habit various. 

Low creeping or aloft, entwined around 

The mighty palm, or in fair arbors wove, 

And quiet sylvan bowers for pensive thought 

A bounteous harvest yielded,— golden fruits, 

Sweet odors stealing thro' the balmy air. 

And many-tinted flowers. And no excess, 

No overgrowth encumbered ; and no lack, 

Nor stinted penury of nature marred ; 

No noxious plant with poisoned breath, nor thorn, 

Nor pointed thistle grew, to pierce the foot : 

But sweet perfection, fairest loveliness. 

And gay, entrancing beauty, reigned around. 

Desire itself was satisfied, and joy 

Could ask no more. 

Beneath two trees, 
Which raised their heads like mountains, and whose 

trunks 
Seemed twin Atlantic pillars, fit to bear 
The world,— whose branching arms uniting, formecl 



TIIE PENITENT THIEF. 81 

A vaulted roof of deep inwoven green, 
Extending far and near, and covering 
A space like the wide canopy of heaven,— 
The royal feast was spread. 

Messiah came, 
Far up the heights, with his victorious train : 
High raised on his triumphal chariot, 
With flaming chargers, seated on a throne 
Of blazing crystal, in the midst he rode. 
With him, a thousand thousand cherubim. 
In bright array, with trumpet-stirring notes. 
Ascended through the mountain pass, where first 
The white eternal rock — the base of heaven — 
From perpendicular begins to break 
In mountain heads, vast and sublime. Immense 
And steep, the craggy wilderness extends, 
Until it meets the outmost bound of plant 
And shrub, which in eternal evergreen 
Spreads from the wall of heaven. Thence, the ascent 
Is easy to the everlasting gates. 

But who is he, who in the victor's train 
Appears, swift riding in a fiery car. 
As to the left of heaven's great portal now 
The mighty hosts wheel off ? The marks of death— 
The lines which torture drew upon his brow — 
Are fading, while he breathes celestial gales ; 
And bathed in bliss, his soul is filled with peace, 
Such as first dawned when at his side Christ hung. 
And from the cross he said : " In Paradise, 
To-day, shalt thou sit down to feast with me." 
6 



32 THE PENITENT THIEF. 

One prayer he uttered : " Lord, remember me ;" 
One stern rebuke he gave ; then peaceful died. 
And here the prey, torn from the lion's mouth, 
Now lives and rides triumphant this glad day. 

In columns long and deep, and well-set ranks. 
The host, with equal step, moved to the spot 
Where golden tables burnished bright were set. 
With nectar goblets and ambrosial fruits. 
These tables stood in radii around, 
Arranged with open spaces wide between, 
Extending from the centre to the verge 
Of the vast, sylvan, overhanging roof. 
Between the pillars of the leafy arch, 
Midway, a royal throne, blazing with gems 
And deep imperial blue, received the King, 
Messiah, now victorious conqueror. 
And all, who from the earth blood-ransomed came, 
Were seated at the feast beneath his eye : 
A thousand thousand seraphim with them 
Sat down, or ministered with kindly joy. 
The birds of Paradise, on boughs aloft, 
In choral symphonies melodious sang ; 
And oft angelic bands, with silver trump. 
Or golden harp loud sounding, joined the praise. 
At length, the countless hosts with holy fire 
Arose, and swelled the joyful chorus, while 
A mighty angel led th' ecstatic song : — 

IVIighty Jesus, King of glory, 

Welcome, welcome to thy throne. 
Shout, ye angels, tell the story. 



THE PENITENT THIEF. 

Sing of Him, who, faint and gory, 
Crushed the power of hell alone. 

HaUelujah ! Hallelujah ! 
Welcome to thine ancient throne. 

In a manger once he lay, 

Infant joys and sorrows knew ; 
He was borne a child away 

When the king the children slew. 
Nazareth was long his home, 

Hid within a quiet dell ; 
Then he graced Capernaum, 

Where the waves of Tiber swell. 

CHORUS. 

Mighty Jesus, King of glory, 

Welcome, welcome to thy throne. 
Shout, ye angels, tell the story, 
Sing of Him, who, faint and gory, 
Crushed the power of hell alone. 

HaUelujah ! HaUelujah I 
Welcome to thine ancient throne. 



Over hiU and over plain, 

Weary, weary, once he went ; 
In the sun and in the rain. 

Parched or chilled, his life was spent : 
Lone upon the mountain cold, 

Or amid the desert shade, 
Pressed by Satan, tempter bold, 

Oft in agony he prayed. 



84 • THE PENITENT THIEF. 

CHORUS. 

Mighty Jesus, King of glory, 
Welcome, &c. 

Houseless, homeless was our King, 
Scorned and slighted hy the great ; 

Lowly, lowly travelling 
With the poor unfortunate : 

Or the loathsome sick among, 
• Or beside the putrid dead. 

Oft for them his heart was wrung; 
Gentle, kindly tears he shed. 

CHORUS. 

Mighty Jesus, King of glory. 
Welcome, &c. 

Earth was red with many a stain ; 

Darkness ruled in a^vful gloom ; 
Rebel man, chastised in vain. 

Sunk inglorious to the tomb, 
Slave to lust, and passion's slave, 

Hating men and hating God : 
Such Messiah sought to save, 

And for such the earth he trod. 

CHORUS. 

Mighty Jesus, King of glory, 
Welcome, &c. 

Satan's chains are strong and great; 
Satan's wiles are ever fair. 



THE PENITENT THIEF. . 85 

Throned above the earth in state. 

He was god of upper air. 
Theuce.. he shed malignant woes ; 

Thence, his baleful charms he shed : 
But our King, Messiah, knows 

How to crush the serpent's head. 

CHORUS. 

Mighty Jesus, King of glory, 
Welcome, &c. 

Not by sword, and not by bow, 

Not with burning arrows then, 
Jesus brought the tempter low, 

And subdued the scourge of men : 
He, with holy meekness armed, 

Strong in patience to endure, 
By his sufferings disarmed 

Death, and paid the forfeiture. 

CHORUS. 

Mighty Jesus, King of glory, 
Welcome, &c. 

In the garden's midnight gloom, 

In the court and judgment-hall ; 
Scourg'd and crown'd with thorns, yet dumb, 

Tasting vinegar and gall ; 
On the cross baptized in gore. 

While the sun his light withdrew ; 
Meekly, meekly still he bore 

All that hell and death could do. 



THE PENITENT THIEF. 

CHORUS. 

Mighty Jesus, King of glory, 
Welcome, &c. 



Now, to his swift chariot wheels, 

Sin is bound, and ghastly death. 
Satan horrid anguish feels, 

Whirling giddy underneath. 
Wild confusion and dismay 

Seize the rebel boaster's train; 
Glad they quit the light of day, 

And their gloomy haunts regain. 



Mighty Jesus, King of glory, 
Welcome, &c. 



Now, to every age and clime 

Loud proclaim the jubilee; 
Now, until the close of time, 

Man, by faith, from sin is free. 
Hither shall the holy come ; 

Hither, sinners saved by grace ; 
Millions, who have overcome, 

Here shall find a resting-place. 

CHORUS. 

Mighty Jesus, King of glory, 
Welcome, welcome to thy throne. 



THE PENITENT THIEF. 87 

SJiout, ye angels, tell the story, 
Sing of Him, who, faint and gory, 

Crushed the power of hell alone. 
HaUelujah! Hallelujah! 

Welcome to thine ancient throne. 



THE END. 



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